One Dog’s Journey to Recovery

Case Summary: Mia’s Multimodal Management for Chronic Orthopedic Disease

Patient: Mia, a 7-year-old German Shepherd Dog
Presenting Complaint: Chronic left forelimb lameness (October 2015)
Weight: 107 lbs (approx. 10 lbs overweight)

Initial Assessment & Diagnosis

• Findings: Biceps tendon pain (left shoulder), bilateral hip arthritis, spinal spondylosis, biceps tendon mineralization, and lower back pain.

• Cause: Likely compensatory overload of forelimbs due to chronic hindlimb discomfort.

• Diagnostics: Normal CBC, chemistry, thyroid, and urinalysis. Radiographs confirmed orthopedic changes.

Treatment Timeline

1. October 2015 – First Treatment

• Intervention: Cortisone injected into biceps tendons under sedation.

• Outcome: Significant lameness improvement by follow-up; shifted focus to strengthening and hip management.

2. November–December 2015 – Rehabilitation Initiation

• Intervention: Adequan series initiated to improve synovial fluid quality.

• Rehab: Underwater treadmill, laser therapy (photobiomodulation), core and muscle strengthening.

• Weight Loss: 8-pound reduction (to 98 lbs); improved stamina from 10 to 50-minute walks multiple times per week.

3. March 2016 – Right Hindlimb Lameness

• Diagnosis: Suspected partial cranial cruciate ligament tear.

• Intervention: Cortisone + hyaluronic acid injected into stifle and both hips.

• Outcome: Full return to weight-bearing; swelling resolved; resumed rehab.

4. May 2016 – Left Hip Deterioration

• Issue: Acute pain with difficulty rising and lying down.

• Intervention: Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) surgery.

• Outcome: Full weight-bearing in 1 month, back to full walks by 2 months. Rehab discontinued in October 2016.

5. January–February 2017 – Recurrence of Pain

• Symptoms: Difficulty walking, right hindlimb lameness, bilateral biceps tendon pain.

• Intervention: Regenerative medicine using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and autologous stem cells derived from Mia’s blood and bone marrow.

• Outcome: Marked improvement in two weeks; resumed rehab with continued progress.

Case Highlights & Insights

• Comprehensive Multimodal Approach: Cortisone, HA, Adequan, rehab therapy, surgical intervention (FHO), and regenerative medicine.

• Rehabilitation Integration: Rehab played a central role post-injection and post-surgery for long-term outcomes.

• Regenerative Medicine: PRP + stem cells offered a novel, effective approach to recurrent multi-joint pain.

• Client Communication: Owner was involved in ongoing decision-making and committed to Mia’s long-term care.

• Chronic Management Philosophy: The case illustrates how treatment plans must evolve over time, balancing traditional and emerging therapies.